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Biggest Week 7 Studs and Stinkers (Fantasy Football)

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Jeff Greenwood @thefantasyeng

October 21, 2019

With Week 7 mostly in the books, The Fantasy Footballers review and react to the Studs & Duds performances on the latest episode. Here, I’ll highlight the best and worst fantasy finishes from Week 7 and list their upcoming schedule. Note that all fantasy points are in the 0.5-point scoring format.

To get the full breakdown of Week 7 performances, don’t miss Episode #800: Week 7 Studs & Stinkers + Weekly Rewind, Monday Punday

Biggest Studs

Aaron Rodgers, QB Green Bay Packers

Week 7 vs OAK: 25/31 for 429 passing yards & 5 TD | 2 rushes for 6 yards & 1 TD

Upcoming Schedule: @KC, @LAC, CAR

Aaron Rodgers had arguably his first Aaron Rodgers game of the season this past week, scoring 42.8 fantasy points (varies by scoring format). That’s good for the fourth-best fantasy performance all season and best by a quarterback. What’s incredible is that his top three receivers were expected to miss this game. Surprisingly, Geronimo Allison and Marquez Valdes-Scantling BOTH played this week (although stud WR Davante Adams sat out again). Aaron Rodgers balled out and rewarded fantasy owners that had the guts to play him this week (which sounds ridiculous to say). Is this the return of the old Aaron Rodgers? Or is this an anomaly? It’s hard to say and any expert that claims to know the answer is taking a wild guess. I’m optimistic that this is the result of a new coaching regime that’s starting to realize that they should slam on the gas pedal with their incredibly talented quarterback. Hopefully, Davante Adams returns soon and this trend continues, but only time will tell.

Marvin Jones, WR Detroit

Week 7 vs MIN: 10 receptions for 93 yards and 4 TD

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Upcoming Schedule: NYG, @OAK, @CHI

Marvin Jones put up the fifth-best wide receiver performance so far in 2019 this past Sunday. Jones is an underrated wide receiver in the league and showed up huge with four touchdowns in Week 7. Many (including myself) expected Jones to be the 1b in the Lions’ offense this season, with Kenny Golladay holding down the 1a spot. Jones only had one double-digit fantasy day in his first six games. Now, he has two – both at the expense of Kenny Golladay, who put up duds in both of Jones’ great weeks. Jones’ talent is not in question, but it appears that he only puts up big performances when Kenny G struggles. I expect Jones to be solid again next week versus the Giants, and the rest of his season should be in the WR2/3 range with upside.

Darren Waller, TE Raiders

Week 7 @ GB: 7 receptions for 126 yards and 2 TD

Upcoming Schedule: @HOU, DET, LAC

Darren Waller recorded his first touchdown this season on Sunday. And his second. And he recorded 126 receiving yards. After signing a big-boy contract with the Raiders, he exploded on the field. Tyrell Williams was inactive this week, which afforded Waller the opportunity to be more involved. That being said, Waller still logged his normal quantity of targets. Waller has an 88% catch rate and is on target for 117 RECEPTIONS this season. By comparison, Michael Thomas topped the league last year with an 85% catch rate on 125 receptions. Waller is the real deal, and he has an inspiring personal journey as well. Waller remains a must-start at the TE position. He now holds the top tight end fantasy performance so far in 2019.

Chase Edmonds, RB Cardinals

Week 7 @ NYG: 27 rushes for 126 yards & 3 TD | 2 receptions for 24 yards

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Upcoming Schedule: @NO, SF, @TB

Close your eyes. Well, open them to read this. But figuratively close your eyes. Picture this: Arizona running back explodes for 126 rushing yards and 3 TD and logs two receptions for 24 yards. Now open your eyes. David Johnson? NOPE! Chase Edmonds. Edmonds recorded the greatest running back performance for the Cardinals so far this season. In fact, in seven games so far this season…Edmonds has two of the top six Cardinals RB performances. This is his third straight week with at least 1 TD and at least 13.7 fantasy points. Edmonds proved that he has standalone value and should be in starting lineups until proven otherwise. While it was frustrating and unexpected that David Johnson was essentially out due to injury this past week, DJ remains a stud worth starting as well.

Biggest Stinkers

Evan Engram, TE Giants

Week 7 vs ARI: 1 reception for 6 yards

Upcoming Schedule: @DET, DAL, @NYJ

Evan Engram only recorded one reception on five targets Sunday. Despite sitting out for some plays at the end of the game, he was otherwise involved in the offense but failed to produce. Engram recorded at least six receptions in four of the previous five games he played this season and will remain a high-end TE start this season. Although he has a tough upcoming schedule, Engram is a good trade target since he’s had a dip in production. Better days are ahead.

Damien Williams, RB Chiefs

Week 7 @ DEN: 9 rushes for 7 yards | 2 receptions for -1 yards

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Upcoming Schedule: GB, MIN, @TEN

Damien Williams has been one of the greatest disappointments in fantasy football this season. Since Week 1, he has failed to eclipse 9 fantasy points. Many fantasy experts have faded Williams, but he was still thought to be a decent flex play with upside. That doesn’t seem like the case moving forward. He should ride your bench until he proves that he can be productive (unless there is an injury in the KC backfield). Shady McCoy looked like the far superior talent on Thursday, and Shady has the trust of Andy Reid from his days in Philadelphia. I would hold Williams and hope for a miraculous comeback, but he shouldn’t be started outside of deep leagues.

David Montgomery, RB Bears

Week 7 vs NO: 2 rushes for 6 yards | 2 receptions for 13 yards

Upcoming Schedule: LAC, @PHI, DET

David Montgomery only touched the ball four times this past week. He fumbled the ball in the third quarter, putting the Bears in a challenging position. The Bears only had seven total rushing attempts this past week, five to running backs. Montgomery’s week is concerning, especially considering that his lack of opportunities was not solely related to his costly fumble. With only one game above 10.1 fantasy points and zero games breaking 14 points, Montgomery has been a bust so far in 2019. He’s currently the WR39 on a points-per-game basis and there is no evidence to expect anything trustworthy moving forward.